Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Frying Pan Farm Park Reservable Areas

Picnic Reservations

Thank you for your interest in a Fairfax County Park Authority park for your picnic! We are proud of our parks and are confident that you will enjoy your day. Keep in mind sites are in great demand, so make your reservation early.

To make a reservation, please book online, fill out the web form, or submit an application. Once payment is received, a Sales Receipt (Picnic Permit) will be issued by email.  

  1. Book Online: For immediate permitting of select facilities and timeslots (available for rentals 10 or more days in advance)
    • Note: Special Requests may take additional time for the approval process. For rentals with no additional requests or issues, final permits will be issued 7-10 business days in advance of the reservation date.
  2. Web Application:  Please fill out the web form, this request will be sent directly to the Picnics Department. 
    • Note: Do NOT include payment information – once the form is received and reviewed you will be contacted to confirm availability, to collect payment information, and complete the reservation process.
  3. Download and complete the Picnic Area/Picnic Shelter Application and submit one of the following ways along with the appropriate payment.
    • Mail: FCPA Picnics Department – 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22035-5500
      • Note: Do NOT mail cash payments; checks can be made out to "FCPA" & in the memo line include a hold # if one has been provided to you.
    • In person: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22035-5500  
      • Note: Contact us in advance for updated office hours and staff availability.
    • Fax: 703-653-6672 
      • Note: Please include payment information on faxed applications.

Web Forms or Applications may take up to 3-5 business days to process. Without a Sales Receipt (Picnic Permit) the reservation is not confirmed. The Picnic Department does not accept reservations over the phone. The Picnic Department stops accepting applications for the upcoming weekend Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.

NEW Easier Way to Reserve Your Picnic Spot

Check out our updated step-by-step Picnic and Outdoor Facility Reservation Guide.

Rental Notes +
  • *Full day reservations available 9:00 a.m. - Sunset. Rental fee is per day, single use rate.
  • **Half day reservations available time slots 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. - Sunset, or 8pm whichever occurs first. Rental fee is per half day, single use rate. TIME SLOTS ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE.
  • ¹ Prime rates apply Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays.
  • ² Non-Prime rates apply Monday through Thursday.

Frying Pan Shelter

Facility Information
  • Facility Type: Shelter
  • Seating Capacity: 145
  • Maximum Capacity: 180
  • Tables: 18 (Exact amount may vary)
  • Grills: 2
  • Electricity: Yes
Rental Fee
  • Prime¹ Full Day*: $345
  • Non-Prime² Full Day*: $235
  • Prime¹ Half Day**: $235
  • Non-Prime² Half Day**: $180
Permissions
  • Amplified Music: Prohibited
  • Announcements: Permission Fee $25
  • DJs & Live Bands: Prohibited
  • Inflatables: Inflatables: (1 max) Permission Fee $25
  • Food Truck: Inflatables: (1 max) Permission Fee $50

Frying Pan Canopy Picnic Area

Facility Information
  • Facility Type: Canopy Picnic Area
  • Seating Capacity: 72
  • Maximum Capacity: 75
  • Tables: 9 (Exact amount may vary)
  • Grills: 1
  • Electricity: No
Rental Fee
  • Prime¹ Full Day*: $125
  • Non-Prime² Full Day*: $90
  • Prime¹ Half Day**: $90
  • Non-Prime² Half Day**: $60
Permissions
  • Amplified Music: Prohibited
  • Announcements: Permission Fee $25
  • DJs & Live Bands: Prohibited
  • Inflatables: Prohibited
  • Food Truck: Inflatables: (1 max) Permission Fee $50
  • Generators: Prohibited

Picnic at the Parks

Fairfax Virtual Assistant